The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

A few days later.

"News from Brother Yunyue: the amount of obsidian that can be mined from the vein is now very limited.

According to estimates, the remaining mining period is less than a year," Yun Yunrui reported to Yun Yunyang, providing an update on the obsidian vein in Chuyun Mountain.

"Shui'er, in the coming period, I want you to take the Golden-Eyed Beast and some clansmen to search for a new vein. See if you can locate another mine," Yun Yunyang said, his gaze falling on Yun Yanshui, who was seated below.

At almost fifteen years old, Yun Yanshui had recently been included in family council meetings to prepare him for future responsibilities. Eventually, when Yun Yunyang and the older generation stepped down, Yanshui, Yantian, Yansong, Yanbo, and others would inherit the family's affairs.

"Yes, Uncle," Yun Yanshui replied respectfully, accepting the task.

"How much longer until the spirit rice in the back mountain's fields can be harvested?" Yun Yunyang asked, turning to Yun Yantian.

"About two months, Uncle. Once it matures, I'll lead the clansmen to harvest the rice," Yantian responded.

"And the spirit plants?"

"They'll also be ready for harvesting in about two months. At that time, part of the herbs will be handed over to Uncle Yunxun for safekeeping, and the rest will be sold to earn spirit stones for the family," Yantian explained.

Hearing this, Yun Yunyang nodded in satisfaction.

As his gaze swept around the room, he noticed the absence of Yun Yanshuang. Curious, he asked, "Shui'er, where is your sister?"

"She's at the armory, preparing to refine an alchemy furnace for future use in making Embryo Breath Pills," Yanshui replied honestly.

"She's been working hard," Yun Yunyang said, smiling warmly.

Just then, a Yun clansman rushed into the hall.

"Brother Yunyang, someone from the Wang family has arrived!" the man announced urgently.

"Oh?" Yun Yunyang frowned, momentarily taken aback. He couldn't imagine why the Wang family would send someone at this time.

"Let's go greet them," he said, rising from his seat. He led Yanshui, Yantian, and the other Yun elders outside to meet the visitors.

Wang Chongyue stood calmly with several dozen disciplined Wang family guards.

Behind them were several carriages laden with goods—gold, silver, jewelry, textiles, spirit tools, elixirs, and obsidian. The carts carried an impressive array of treasures.

"Brother Chongyue, my apologies for the delay in greeting you!" Yun Yunyang said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting as he approached.

His eyes couldn't help but linger on the heavily loaded carriages, his curiosity piqued.

"Brother Yunyang, it's been a while," Wang Chongyue replied, returning the gesture with a warm smile.

"Please, come inside. I've already ordered tea and refreshments to be prepared," Yun Yunyang said, extending an invitation.

"There's no need to trouble yourself.

I've come today under the orders of my elder brother to deliver a betrothal gift.

Our families hope to establish a marital alliance," Wang Chongyue said plainly, eager to conclude the matter and return to report his success.

"A marriage proposal?" Yun Yunyang said, startled. The other Yun elders looked equally shocked.

"To be honest, my nephew Wang Liyuan recently saw Yanshuang at the cultivation market. He was so captivated by her that he developed feelings for her.

Today, I've come with this generous gift to propose a marriage between my nephew and your esteemed Yanshuang," Wang Chongyue explained.

"This…" Yun Yunyang hesitated, visibly uncomfortable.

"You seem hesitant, Brother Yunyang?" Wang Chongyue asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Brother Chongyue, Yanshuang has yet to turn fifteen. Discussing marriage at this time seems a bit premature," Yun Yunyang replied tactfully, clearly unwilling to agree.

"A formal betrothal can be arranged now, and when Yanshuang turns fifteen, our Wang family will send a grand procession to bring her into our family with full honors.

Come, bring the betrothal gifts!"

Wang Chongyue gestured, and the guards began unloading the carriages.

"Brother Yunyang, this marriage would be beneficial for both our families.

If we become in-laws, your Yun family will gain many advantages.

For example, my elder brother has promised to grant your Yun family a shop in the cultivation market rent-free once the marriage is finalized," he added, smiling.

"Brother Yunyang, let's not delay this matter further. Consider this proposal settled. I must return to report to my elder brother and cannot stay any longer."

"Brother Yunyang, farewell. We'll speak again another day," Wang Chongyue said decisively.

Without giving Yun Yunyang any room for polite refusal, Wang Chongyue ordered his men to unload the carriages and departed with the Wang family guards.

As his elder brother Wang Zhongtian had declared, this marriage was non-negotiable. The Yunshang Yun family would either comply willingly or face the consequences.

"Yulin Wang Clan is so domineering. This is clearly a forced marriage!"

Watching Wang Chongyue and his entourage leave, Yun Yunlin's face was filled with anger.

"These so-called betrothal gifts—they're just what our Yun clan gave them over the years during our visits to the Wang family.@@novelbin@@

Now they shamelessly bring them back as a bride price? And they have the gall to talk about a grand marriage for Shuang'er? Nonsense!"

"Brother Yunyang, Shuang'er cannot marry into the Wang family. The so-called free shop they've promised us is just empty words. It's not reliable!"

The other Yun clansmen echoed their discontent, their faces brimming with indignation.

Yun Yanshuang was the Yun family's strongest spirit-root cultivator, skilled in artifact refining and soon to learn alchemy.

Her future potential was immense. How could they easily give her away to the Wang family, only for her to bear their children and strengthen their lineage?

Marrying her off so carelessly would be unfair to Shuang'er and bring no real benefit to the Yun clan.

"I understand your concerns..."

"But this time, the Wang family is clearly set on forcing this marriage.

If we refuse, do you understand the consequences we may face?" Yun Yunyang said with a sigh, his expression heavy with worry.

Hearing this, the room fell into silence.

"The Wang family… is pushing us too far!"

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"Shui'er," Yun Yunyang said after a moment.

"Yes, Uncle?"

"What do you think about this matter?"

"If my sister wants to marry, she'll marry. If she doesn't, no one can force her," Yun Yanshui replied firmly.

"Discuss this with your father when you return. Let's see what he and your sister think about it."

"I understand," Yun Yanshui said, nodding before leaving for home.

"Brother Yunyang, what about those carriages and their so-called gifts?" Yun Yunlin asked.

"Destroy them!" Yun Yunyang said coldly.

A forced betrothal? They wanted no part of it!

"Old Daoist Master," Yun Yunyang said respectfully, bowing under the shade of a willow tree after dismissing the others.

"Out of options already?" the blind Daoist replied with a faint smile, having observed the entire situation from a distance.

"The Yulin Wang clan is powerful—far beyond our Yun clan's capabilities to contend with.

Especially with their patriarch currently in seclusion, preparing for a breakthrough. If he succeeds and steps into the Foundation Establishment stage, their influence will skyrocket.

At that point, Shuang'er…" Yun Yunyang trailed off, his voice filled with frustration. His clenched fists and tight jaw betrayed his anger and helplessness.

"How can we let my niece be married off to the Wang family so easily?" he continued.

"These years, we've been fortunate for your guidance in Shuang'er's and Tian'er's cultivation.

We have never dared to ask too much of you, but this time…"

"I understand your pain. For now, don't rush. Let's first hear what Shuang'er has to say.

After all, the ultimate decision must still be hers," the old Daoist said calmly, a faint smile on his lips.

"I understand, Master," Yun Yunyang said, nodding.

"I won't marry!"

Freshly returned from the armory, Yun Yanshuang's face turned icy upon hearing about Wang Chongyue's visit and the Wang family's attempts to force her into marriage.

Yun Yunshan, her father, looked equally grave.

He, too, opposed the marriage. But the Wang family's power, coupled with their patriarch's impending breakthrough into Foundation Establishment, left the Yun clan in a precarious position.

If they rejected the proposal, they would undoubtedly face relentless suppression from the Wang family, making their already difficult circumstances even worse.

"Marrying into the Wang family benefits no one—it wrongs Shuang'er and harms our clan.

But refusing them risks angering the Wang family and worsening our situation," Yun Yunshan said, his voice heavy.

"So, Father, what do you suggest?" Yun Yanshuang asked, her face etched with concern.

"My daughter, Yun Yunshan's child, will not be casually married off to the Wang family!" Yun Yunshan said firmly, stroking her head gently.

"Don't worry too much. I'll think of a solution. Your uncle and the others will also work out a plan."

"Understood, Father. If worst comes to worst, I'll ask the Master for help. He would never sit idly by," Yun Yanshuang said confidently.

"The old Daoist Master? Indeed, he might be our only hope in this matter," Yun Yunshan agreed with a sigh.